THE BEST OF ITMS 2024
Key Themes and Trends
Labor Force Issues
- Shortage of Skilled Workers: Companies face challenges in finding qualified staff, particularly for low-skilled positions.
- Pipeline and Retention: There is a lack of a pipeline for transitioning workers through education and training, and a rapid exodus of skilled workers due to retirement.
- Collaborative Robots (Cobots) and Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs): These technologies offer potential solutions to alleviate labor shortages. Rethink Robotics' re-emergence indicates market vibrancy, but interoperability remains a challenge.
Data Management and Digital Transformation
- Data Fabric: Many manufacturers struggle with implementing complex digital solutions due to the lack of a unified data fabric.
- Third-Party Certification: Currently, there is no standardized third-party certification for digital models of physical assets used in simulations.
- Leaders in the Space: AWS, Siemens, and others are at the forefront of solving these issues, with AWS emphasizing the importance of simplifying the route to an interoperable data fabric.
Supporting Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs)
- Democratization of Digital Transformation: Solutions need to be low code/no code and easy to implement.
- Innovations: Companies like Hexagon, Galorath, and Mendix are innovating in this space, focusing on making digital transformation accessible to SMEs.
- Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Compliance: Simplifying purchasing and pricing processes to meet ESG legislation burdens.
Transition to Operational Expenditure (OPEX) Business Model
- Shift from CAPEX to OPEX: Companies are increasingly adopting OPEX and Everything-as-a-Service (XaaS) models.
- Application Environment Control: Companies that control the application environment are likely to emerge as leaders in this transition.
Key Technologies and Innovations
Additive Manufacturing
- Stratasys Origin Two Photopolymer Printer: Features a new F3300 FDM printer with enhanced speed and in-situ monitoring.
- 6K Metal Feedstock: Uses recycled powders processed by its UniMelt Uniform Melt State Process for high-quality metal feedstock.
- Caracol Heron AM Platform: Partnerships with KUKA, FANUC, and ABB showcase innovative large-format additive manufacturing solutions.
Automation and Robotics
- Cobots and Machine Tending: Cobots are increasingly used for simple, safe, and efficient machine tending tasks.
- Scan-to-Path Robots: Companies like Augmentus use 3D scanning and ML to generate cobot paths for tasks like sanding and welding.
- Rethink Robotics: Unveiled a new range of cobots that can integrate with AMRs for versatile applications.
Exhibitor Booths
- FANUC: Featured a large booth with robotic operations, including a 30-foot-high robotic arm demonstrating advanced capabilities.
Conclusion
IMTS 2024 highlighted significant advancements in labor force solutions, data management, and automation technologies. Companies like Stratasys, 6K, and Caracol are pushing the boundaries in additive manufacturing, while FANUC and others are leading in automation and robotics. The shift towards OPEX and the democratization of digital transformation continue to drive innovation and adoption in the manufacturing sector.
